The Champions League group stage 2018/19: 13 champions and 47 titles

One of the things the competition has been criticised for in recent years is how things are weighted more favourably towards teams from the top five European leagues, thus meaning that teams from so-called "lesser leagues" struggle. However, that policy did at least calm fears of Europe's top dogs forming a breakaway European Super League.

Four of the major European leagues - LaLiga, the Premier League, the Bundesliga and Serie A - will all count on four participants this season, with none of them having had to come through qualifying, something that hasn't happened in years.

This season, 13 previous champions will take part: Real Madrid (13); Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Liverpool (5); Ajax (4); Inter Milan and Manchester United (3); Juventus, Benfica and Porto (2); Borussia Dortmund, PSV and Red Star Belgrade (1).

Of the clubs that are most typically associated with the competition, the only one missing is AC Milan, who failed to qualify despite a spending spree last summer. The 'Rossoneri' have won the title seven times, but will have to watch bitter rivals Inter take part this season, though Luciano Spalletti's side have never won the competition.

The format of the draw means that a number of particularly difficult groups could be drawn. Manchester United and Tottenham look to be the teams to avoid in pot 2, livewise last season's runners-up Liverpool in pot 3.

Making their return to the competition after a significant spell out, Inter will be in pot 4.